A dishwasher is one of the most time saving and convenient appliances that you’ll have in your kitchen. There are quite a few different brands and models to choose from. Each comes with its own set of unique features.

The price range usually depends on the brand that you select, the vendor and the types of features which are included. Manufacturers use advanced technology to supply customers with an ever-increasing range of special functions along with power and water-saving features for those who are in tune with conservation efforts.

Because everyone has their own distinct needs and preferences, there is a wide variety of options available. Sometimes, settling on a specific appliance can be difficult because of all of the choices available.

If you’re having any difficulty in deciding which one would be the best choice for you, we’ve put together a listing that includes five of the top choices for your consideration. You’ll find helpful information about each unit along with our reviews that highlight special features along with the pros and cons and what other people have to say about the overall satisfaction they have with the unit.

We hope that you find this listing to be helpful in making your decision.

Cons

No drying element so standing water is a problem if you don’t open slightly to let steam out

Plastic racks could be stronger/more durable

Needs a storage space for cords and hoses when not in use

Summary

The Danby Countertop Dishwasher is a convenient size that can accommodate up to six place settings in capacity. It is a portable model that adds convenience for washing small to medium quantities of dishes. It features power and water saving Energy Star technology to avoid wasting these precious resources. It also connects quickly to your kitchen tap.

It makes the perfect addition to any small area with time-saving convenience for machine washing dishes for one or two people. The stainless steel interior is built with high-quality materials that are made for durability and long life.

Electronic controls feature a useful LED display and 6 different wash cycles. Convenience is enhanced with the automatic rinse agent and detergent dispenser for even distribution during wash and rinse cycles.

This unit is rated with a 4.2 out of a possible 5 stars for performance and customer satisfaction. Some users commented that prewashing the dishes to remove any dried or baked on foods is required in order for them to come out clean.

Others found the plastic racks to be less sturdy than they would like and recommended that they be improved on future models. The lack of storage space for cords and hoses was another complaint, but with these exceptions, most users gave it very high marks and would recommend it to others for purchase and use.

Some people have noticed that it doesn’t come out completely dried when it is done but this can easily be sorted if you leave it for 10 minutes have it has finished to allow it to dry fully.

Cons

Summary

This unit is rated at a 4.2 out of 5 stars which is well above average. Some people described the operation mode as a little noisy, but most didn’t have a problem with the volume. The lack of a heating element results in wet dishes that need to be dried before they are placed in storage.

Another recommendation is that the hose used to connect to the faucet should be a little longer. With these few exceptions, most users would highly recommend it to others. Although there is no drying element, most portable dishwashers do not offer this feature.

It connects quickly and easily and most were comfortable with the noise level during operation. It has an all-in-one wash setting that allows you to program it to use all of the available wash cycles, or you can choose from 6 different wash settings. Most say that it does a great job of cleaning when there is enough space in between dishes and there is no dried food on them.

Most users have found that no prerinse is actually required, it uses hardly any water and your china will come out clean. It cleans even better than your more expensive brands on the market these days.

It’s also not messy, meaning the cord is retractable and can fit back into the dishwater when it’s not in use. To top it off, it also comes with measuring cups to measure the amount of detergent to use.

Pros

Cons

Standard plates don’t fit unless they are angled in

Placement of the tines is wrong-difficult to fit glasses inside

Interior design needs to be more adjustable/flexible

Summary

This unit comes packed with features for a small dishwasher. It gets a 4.2 out of 5-star rating for above-average ranking in customer satisfaction. This appliance excels in getting dishes clean with a water temperature that is hot enough to sterilize the contents. It also provides heavy-duty cleaning. This function gets the highest marks from the majority of users.

It can be easily moved from one place to another and it connects and disconnects from a standard faucet quickly with no leaking. A few drawbacks include the configuration of the inside racks.

Some users had difficulty fitting standard plates and glasses inside without making some adjustments. More positive comments focus on the attractive design and quietness of the unit when it is in use. The hose length is great for a portable dishwasher. This adds convenience when hooking it up to a kitchen faucet.

Cleaning the inside and the hose is easy, while the interior has no foul odors and a pleasure to clean. Also very easy to connect and disconnect and it’s not too noisy; you might only notice some noise when the water is discharged in the sink but it’s barely noticeable.

It’s not loud, functions at a calm ‘medium-quiet’ volume. i.e. it’s not completely silent like some of your $2000 dishwashers are, but it also doesn’t roar raucously. It’s constructed of stainless steel inside, which just enhances its quality, particularly for an inexpensive, compact model.

It’s smaller and therefore it does smaller loads of dishes (which is the objective, correct?) but overall, you don’t have to sacrifice quality or anything for the convenience of having this small model. Same wash, same soap, same sound, but just smaller – that’s it.

Overall, most would recommend it as a dishwasher that works great and adds convenience for one or two people.

SPT SD-2224DS Countertop Dishwasher with Delay Start & LED

Features

Pros

Larger than most portables with great interior space for washing more dishes

Easy setup with two hose connection in back of machine and locking nozzle for sink

Cleans dishes fast and thoroughly

Heating element that dries dishes fast

Sturdy and well built

Quiet with low noise during operation of dishwasher

Cons

Unit is very heavy and requires a two-person lift

Takes up 5’ of space and may not fit under countertops easily

Cleaning cycles take a long time

Could be configured better for silverware and odd-sized dishes

Summary

This deluxe portable dishwasher gains the lead among the top picks in its class with a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. It comes packed with features for its size. You have your choice of seven wash cycles and these include heavy, normal, light, mini party, rinse, speed and soak.

When you’re planning to be away, but want to come home to clean dishes, the delay start adds even more convenience. It can be set for two, four, six or eight-hour advance start times.

The universal faucet adapter fits most kitchen faucets and it comes with quick connect technology. This makes hooking it up fast and easy.

The electronic controls feature a handy and easy to read LED display that lets you know the status of the cycle including how long is left until completion. The water supply warning indicator lets you know if the supply is too low. May be a little too large for the tastes of some users. This appliance is intended for people who need a portable but want one that comes with a larger holding capacity and has more special features included.

Setting it up is stress-free, just join the two hoses to the back of the machine and fasten the locking outlet onto the sink fixture. The hoses don’t need any tools in order for you to attach it, and you will be able to attach the outlet onto the sink without requiring any, either. Everything connects correctly right away, with no leaking.

Cons

Poorly designed silverware basket blocks detergent dispenser if not moved forward

No steam outlet other than manually opening the door a crack

Summary

The reviews are high for the Koldfront, coming in second to the SPT model with an overall satisfaction rating of 4.3 out of a possible 5. Some users had difficulty with fitting standard plates in the rack, but others remarked that they had no issues with this. The washer takes longer than most to complete cycles with an average run time of one and a half hours for lighter jobs and up to two and a half for heavy duty setting.

It does get the dishes very clean and gets high marks for this function. Some found it a little on the noisy side when in use. In general, this unit comes highly recommended from people who purchased and used it. It is the most suitable for one or two people who don’t have large quantities of dishes that need to be cleaned.

This dishwasher is a winner if you have a small house/apartment or if you have limited space in your kitchen. If loaded properly, all your dishes will come out sparkling clean. It does what is expected of it. It comes with all the attachments to connect it to your faucet and the hoses are long so you can reach even if it’s positioned far away from the sink.

Final verdict

Here you have it! The top 5 picks in portable dishwashers which offer a variety of differing sizes, capacities and features. These units were given the highest ranking by people who actually bought them, used them and then gave their honest opinions on the details that mattered the most to them.

Coming in first place is the SPT SD-2224DS Countertop Dishwasher with Delay Start & LED, Silver. It is attractive in appearance and offers the most in advanced features. Of all of the units listed, this one is the largest and heaviest, so it may not be the best choice for everyone, but it has the largest capacity with the greatest number of setting choices and it is the only selection that features a built-in heating element for drying dishes after the wash and rinse cycles have completed. It has the highest score of 4.5 out of 5 for customer satisfaction.

The Koldfront 6 Place Setting Countertop Dishwasher – White is our second choice with 4.3 stars. It does a great job of washing dishes for one or two people with space saving counter top convenience. Easy to set up and easy to tear down when not in use.

The Danby DDW611WLED Countertop Dishwasher – White is third with a 4.2 ranking. Compact and a perfect choice for apartment, office or any small space. Easy connect to most standard kitchen faucets. It works well for one or two people and comes with Energy Star certification for those who want to conserve on resources.

The SPT SD-9241SS Energy Star Portable Dishwasher, 18-Inch, Stainless Steel is fourth with a 4.2 rating for customer satisfaction and great performance. It features an attractive stainless steel face for added elegance. A high performer for cleaning up to 6 place settings at once.

Coming in fifth place, but by no means of lesser quality is the EdgeStar 6 Place Setting Countertop Portable Dishwasher – Silver. We really like the child lock feature which is not offered on the other models listed. This makes it the perfect choice for small families with children.

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